Cato 04 - The Eagle and the Wolves by Simon Scarrow Read Free Book Online Page B

There was a platter of small loaves, a bowl of olive oil and a jar of fish sauce. Macro met Cato’s gaze and gave a disappointed shrug. If this was how legates ate, you could keep it.
    ‘Now then,’ Vespasian began, as he spread the dark fish sauce over a hunk of bread, ‘how far have you two recovered from your wounds? Are you fit enough for light duties?’
    Macro exchanged a quick look with Cato as their legate tore off a chunk of bread and popped it into his mouth. ‘We’re pretty much up for it, sir. Are we getting sent back to the legion?’ Macro asked hopefully.
    ‘No. Not yet, at least.’ Vespasian couldn’t help smiling at the centurion’s eagerness to get back in the fight. ‘I need two good men for something else. Something very important to the success of our campaign.’
    Cato frowned. The last special task to which he and Macro had been assigned had nearly got them both killed. The legate read his expression accurately.
    ‘Oh, it’s nothing like last time. Nothing dangerous. Or at least, not likely to be dangerous.’ Vespasian bit off another chunk of bread and started chewing. ‘You shouldn’t even have to leave Calleva.’
    Cato and Macro relaxed.
    ‘So then, sir,’ Macro continued, ‘what do you need us for?’
    ‘You’re aware that Centurion Veranius was killed yesterday? ‘
    ‘Yes, sir. We were watching from the gatehouse.’ Macro was momentarily tempted to add some phrase to register the sadness he imagined he was supposed to feel. But he refused to cheapen himself, especially since he had never particularly rated Veranius.
    ‘He was the only officer I could spare to command this garrison.’
    There was an implied judgement in that sentence and Macro was mildly surprised that the legate shared his view of the dead centurion.
    ‘And now I need a new garrison commander. The duty should not be too onerous for you while you recuperate.’
    ‘Me, sir? In command of the depot?’ Now Macro’s surprise was more pronounced. Then the prospect of his first independent command filled him with a warm glow of pride. ‘Thank you, sir. Yes, I’d be happy - honoured - to do the job.’
    ‘It’s an order, Macro,’ Vespasian replied drily, ‘not an invitation.’
    ‘Oh, right.’
    ‘There’s more.’ The legate paused a moment. ‘I need you and Centurion Cato to train a small force for the king here in Calleva. A couple of cohorts is what I have in mind.’
    ‘Two cohorts?’ Cato’s eyebrows rose in surprise. ‘That’s over nine hundred men. Where are we going to find them, sir? I doubt there’s enough men of the quality we need here in Calleva.’
    ‘Then have Verica spread the word. I doubt you’ll be short of volunteers in the current situation. Once they come forward, you pick them, train them in our way of waging war, and then you will serve as their commanders, personally responsible to Verica.’
    Macro chewed his lip.
    ‘Do you think that’s wise, sir? Arming the Atrebatans? In any case, I thought the general’s policy was to disarm the tribes. Even those allied to us.’
    ‘It is his policy,’ Vespasian admitted, ‘but the situation’s changed. I can’t afford to spare any more men to protect Calleva, or to deal with these raids on our supply columns. I’ve no choice but to use the Atrebatans. So you start training them as soon as possible. I have to return to the legion today. I’ve sent word of my plans to General Plautius and asked him for permission to equip Verica’s men from our stores here in the depot. Train them, and feed them, but don’t arm them until you get word from the general. Understand?’
    ‘Yes, sir,’ said Macro.
    ‘Do you think you can do it?’
    Macro raised his eyebrows and gently rocked his head from side to side. ‘I should think we can make something of them, sir. Can’t promise to supply you with front-line troops.’
    ‘So long as they make Verica and his people feel safe, and make those damn Durotrigans think twice before